Hayashibara Co., Ltd.

OKAYAMA, Japan, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Nagase Viita Co., Ltd., a NAGASE Group member headquartered in Okayama, Japan, has received the highest "Platinum" rating in a sustainability survey conducted by EcoVadis SAS of France, one of the world's most trusted providers of business sustainability ratings for global supply chains. The "Platinum" rating is awarded to companies that score in the top 1% of all eligible companies. Image: EcoVadis assesses suppliers operating in 180+ countries across 220+ industries, and assessment results are tested on over 130,000 companies. EcoVadis conducts objective examinations and assessments of companies' sustainability through independent reviews and analyses, scoring the performance on a company's policies, actions and results, in four sustainability themes: Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. Nagase Viita received a Gold rating in 2022 and a Silver rating in 2023. In this latest examination, the company increased its scores in the areas of environmental policy and implementation measures, labor and human rights policy, and sustainable procurement policy, actions, and results. In addition, Nagase Viita was also recognized for its "use of eco-friendly or bio-based input materials," the assessment results of which led to its "Platinum" rating this time around. Nagase Viita is committed to the wider aim of contributing to the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) to realize a sustainable society through its business activities. Encouraged by this Platinum rating, Nagase Viita will continue to promote measures to resolve social issues, improve its corporate value and continue to be sought after by its stakeholders. Comments: About Nagase Viita Co., Ltd.: Originally established in 1883, Nagase Viita Co., Ltd. (formerly Hayashibara Co., Ltd.) began its journey as a syrup manufacturer. Over the years, it has evolved into a pioneer in harnessing the potential of nature, specializing in products utilizing microorganisms and enzymes. Today, its portfolio spans a diverse array of functional materials, catering to industries ranging from food, personal care, and pharmaceuticals to industrial and agricultural sectors. On April 1, 2024, the company was officially rebranded as Nagase Viita. The new name embodies the collaborative synergy among NAGASE Group entities, dedicated to delivering innovative products and value propositions on a global scale. For further details, visit:

OKAYAMA, Japan, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hayashibara Co., Ltd., a member of Nagase Group and headquartered in Okayama City, western Japan, successfully conducted the "25th Trehalose Symposium," an annual interdisciplinary event since 1997, on November 2, 2023, in Tokyo. Photos: Under the theme of "Trehalose Leading a Sustainable Future," the symposium featured various research outcomes. These included promising treatments using three-dimensional cultures and dermal sheets from fibroblasts processed with highly concentrated trehalose, the design of stem cell preservation solutions, and the applications in hair care products and livestock feed. The chemistry and biological functions of trehalose-based compounds were also presented. Particularly noteworthy was Dr. Benedetto Marelli's presentation, "Trehalose-based Seed Coating to Boost Agriculture in Marginal Lands." Dr. Marelli, an Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), highlighted how the formulation, incorporating trehalose and silk protein, leads to innovation in enhancing sustainable agriculture and food systems. The presented study confirmed that this seed-coating technology significantly improves seed germination, even in lands traditionally unsuitable for farming due to high-stress conditions. This breakthrough not only addresses the challenges brought on by climate change but also showcases trehalose's role in increasing crop yields, enhancing quality, and promoting the development of a beneficial rhizosphere. The company will transition its name from "Hayashibara" to "Nagase Viita" in April 2024, marking the 140th year since its establishment. This rebranding reflects its unwavering commitment to building a sustainable society and dedication to continuing the tradition of hosting this symposium into the future. Symposium details: Past presentations: About the Trehalose Symposium Founded in 1997, the Trehalose Symposium has been promoting research and development activities for trehalose while assisting researchers in publicizing their discoveries. For the last 25 years, 193 researchers with multi-disciplinary scientific backgrounds have presented the properties of trehalose and its functionalities. About Trehalose Trehalose is a naturally occurring disaccharide long known for its biochemical effect on protecting cells and tissues under dry conditions. Studies have revealed that trehalose's physicochemical properties, such as water binding and vitrification, are behind the protective functionality. The development of applied research empowered the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries to utilize trehalose in their commercial products.

OKAYAMA, Japan, Oct. 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Hayashibara Co., Ltd., a member of Nagase Group and headquartered in Okayama City, western Japan, hosted the 24th Trehalose Symposium, with the support of the Japanese Society of Applied Glycoscience, on September 8, 2022. Photo: This highly specialized academic event returned to Tokyo after a three-year hiatus, engaging 231 attendees in person and online from various fields. Researchers from home and abroad presented their basic and applied research results on trehalose. The presentations included the development of a vaccine stabilization method that holds promise for transport without the need for a cold chain, basic research on how trehalose affects ice crystal growth to identify improved thawing techniques for cryopreserved biological tissues, and research on the application of trehalose to surgical treatment, utilizing autophagy (recycling function within cells), featured in the 2016 Nobel Prizes. During a discussion session, followed by the presentations, Japanese experts shared their viewpoints on why and how most organisms utilize trehalose over other carbohydrates. At the end of the session, the speakers addressed their prospects and expectations for future research and development while indicating the importance of basic research. Hayashibara is dedicated to continuing the Trehalose Symposium, providing a community for researchers worldwide to present their findings and obtain beneficial information by interacting with peers. Through its commitment to basic research for trehalose, Hayashibara envisions the Trehalose Symposium to contribute to building a sustainable society. For details of the symposium, visit: For the past 187 presentations, visit: About the Trehalose Symposium Founded in 1997, the Trehalose Symposium has been promoting research and development activities for trehalose while assisting researchers in publicizing their discoveries. For the last 20 years, 187 researchers with multi-disciplinary scientific backgrounds have presented the properties of trehalose and its functionalities. About Trehalose Trehalose, found in food items like mushrooms, is a naturally occurring disaccharide long known for its biochemical effect on protecting cells and tissues under dry conditions. Studies have revealed that trehalose's physicochemical properties, such as water binding and vitrification, are behind the protective functionality. The development of applied research empowered the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries to utilize trehalose in their commercial products. SOURCE Hayashibara Co., Ltd.